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While the full effects of natural disasters are still being assessed, many are using them as a way to gauge the resilience of their businesses. If a hurricane, flood or wildfire were to strike, how quickly could you be back up and running? A business continuity plan addresses the four “R’s” of response, resumption, recovery, and restoration and can help you plan for both catastrophic natural disasters, as well as events like power outages, computer viruses, and equipment failure.

Here are five things to consider in a business continuity plan

Do you have an alternate power supply? How long can it sustain your operations?

Is your data protected and backed-up? How quickly can it be restored?

Will you be able to take calls from employees, customers and vendors?

Do your insurance policies have adequate coverage to protect you and keep you going?

Do you have alternate vendors/suppliers should your primary ones not be able to deliver to your company?​

​Your business continuity plan should also include a business impact analysis to determine what happens if key employees are not able to work for any number of reasons. Do you have other trained and knowledgeable staff who would be able to cover for key employees?While the above points are important, keep in mind that during a disaster, stress levels are high, and your first priority is your people and their physical and emotional needs.

Contact Simplified today to learn how we can help you plan for things like natural disasters.

Whether you are just starting to consider an office or other business relocation, or are well into the planning process, Simplified Communications can help manage your entire telecommunications services move, including ordering, verifying services, and coordinating the installation of the necessary services and hardware in your new space.Planning ahead with your Simplified agent can help avoid costly downtime during relocation.Here are several more tips to make your move easier:

Plan your move as far in advance as possible (6 month – 2 years is the norm).

Invest in commercial movers who have the necessary experience, resources and manpower, and ask them to fax you a copy of their insurance. Additionally, you may want to consider hiring a move manager coordinate with the moving team, furniture delivery, IT install team, etc.

The move will most likely need to be done outside of normal business hours, so be sure to schedule it not only with the building you are moving into, but the one you are moving out of as well. Use this time to confirm requirements such as the amount of time you can be at the loading dock or how to reserve elevators.

Some states require businesses provide notice of a move to employees well in advance. Be sure to check this out and also keep employees informed throughout the process.

Make a list of the materials that will need address changes, such a business cards, envelopes, ad, websites, etc. Forward all mail online via www.usps.com.

Each department manager should take inventory of all items to be moved, while employees should pack and move all of their personal items.

Do a walk-through of the new space with a building manager before the move, and check that AC or heat will be operating during your move (some buildings’ HVAC’s turn off on weekends).

A business move is an exciting time that, if done correctly, does not have to be stressful. If one is in your future, talk to your Simplified agent today about how he or she can help.​